Nature and Nurture: Nonprofit Toasts 40 Years of Planting and Protecting Trees in Houston, Raises $520K

FOR FOUR DECADES, the aptly named Trees for Houston has been planting and protecting trees all over the city. Its annual Root Ball event celebrated the milestone anniversary while raising an impressive $520,000 for the organization.

Chaired by Rudeina Baasiri and Debbie Gregg, the al fresco gala had a "patio-chic" dress code, which was apropos for the breezy spring night. Refreshing apps like blackberry crostini and a Bayou Breeze cocktail — renamed Tree Breeze for the night — welcomed the 425 guests, who participated in a wine and spirits pull before a gourmet dinner. Attendees also enjoyed live tunes courtesy of the Tin Man Band.

A successful paddle raise contributed to the night's total till of $525,000, which will go toward Trees for Houston's mission to plant more than 70,000 trees annually in the region. Later this year, the organization will move into a stunning new headquarters that includes a tree farm and education center.

Debbie Gregg and Rudeina Baasiri

Sallie Alcorn and Lisa Helfman

Austin Bocciardi, Jamie Heiland, John David Barnes and Kyle Kern

Megan Keefe, Heather Rentrop, and Laura and Josh Lock

Bernie and Stacy Garcia

Garett and Kim Dietrich, Cheryl Huffman and Brian Chambers

Lashawndra Proctor and Trevence Mitchell

Chloe and Reed Schmergel

Don Howell and Letty Knapp

Joe and Cathy Cleary, Joey and Maddie Cleary, and Randi Koenig

Jessica Roman, Julia Armada, Anal Agha and Stef Adams

Amy Peck and Jordan Fein

Carrie and Chris Estes

Gloria Bounds and Tim Yurick